Kremlin: If Ukraine Refuses Dialogue, It Will Have to Negotiate Later from a Weaker Position

The Kremlin warned that if Ukraine continues to refuse dialogue with Russia, it will face negotiations from a much weaker position in the future, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Peskov made several other statements: he noted that Russia is closely following Ukraine’s announcements about ending talks, emphasized that President Putin has repeatedly said Russia would respond if other countries conduct nuclear tests, and referenced U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s comments that former President Trump’s pledge to resume nuclear testing is intended to verify weapon safety.

He added that Russia will continue its special military operation until the objectives set by the president are achieved due to the current lack of dialogue with Ukraine. Peskov also said Russia agrees with the Finnish president that dialogue between Russia and Europe will eventually take place. Finally, he confirmed that the date for Putin’s live Q&A session has been set, with details to be announced in due course.